Rock Flashback: Nilsson’s “Remember (Christmas)”

In the summer of 1972, just a few months after the release of his career-making album Nilsson Schmilsson, [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Nilsson[/lastfm] returned with a sequel, Son of Schmilsson. It included a dizzying variety of songs, including a beautiful one appropriate for this time of year.

Among the memorable songs on Son of Schmilsson are “You’re Breaking My Heart,” a great kiss-off song with an opening line so blunt his label didn’t want to release it, and the singles “Spaceman” and “Joy,” the latter of which was released under the name Buck Earl, perhaps in an attempt to get some airplay on country stations, or just to be contrary.

“Remember (Christmas)” rose to #53 on the Hot 100 at the end of 1972, hanging on well into January. Although it was marketed as a Christmas single in 1972, the word “Christmas” doesn’t appear in it. Nevertheless, it’s infused with the spirit of the season, when we look back to what we imagine were simpler days and happier times: “Remember is a place from long ago/Remember filled with everything you know.”

One Comment

Thanks for that “priceless and postive” musical retrospect; i really enjoyed that.

10 POSITIVE THINGS RAINBOWRAY REMEMBERS FROM CHILDHOOD:

1. CANADA/RUSSIA HOCKEY SERIES (Grade 3 1972)
2. Charlie the “Great Pyranees” dog (lived next door 1977)
3. Pinball machines (playing them growing up in the seventies)
4. Dunking chocolate chip cookies in milk (Still do that once in a while; some things NEVER change)
5. Mr and Mrs Booker and family (foster parents when dad was in hospital, 1970)
6. Playing street hockey
7. Birthday party when I was 8 or 9–Had a parade from down the street to the backyard (dad took the film; ran to fast like an air raid had just been announced and had to redo. Dream of having a parade with our family one day, would you like that “stickybuns”?)
8. Growing up and playing all those great 70’s songs (playing DJ downstairs in the basement and playing TOP 50 SONGS OF 1977, 1978, 1979 ETC.
9. Pretending to play teacher in the backyard (writing my own tests, surveys and report cards for kids that were in my class at school).
10. Visits to Hamilton ( a small town just southwest of Toronto) and little family I had there. Going by Go Transit Bus (run by Government of Ontario (GO) with dad).

Good advice to look on the good things from those years then always reflecting on the bad things. Everyone should do this. This really made my day. I’m going to share share this with my Fee-Fi. Maye she can make one list of her own.

LOVE
RainbowRay
“Sharing is caring and caring is sharing; living is giving and giving is living”
“Be resolved, get involved”
“Don’t be shy, give it a try!”